B-Rated Valentine

  www.beautifultroublepublishing.com

  B-Rated Valentine

  Naomi Jones

  Copyright © 2011 by Naomi Jones

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including but not limited to: printing, photocopying, faxing, recording, electronic transmission, or by any information storage or retrieval system without prior written permission from the authors or holders of the copyright.

  This book is a work of fiction. References may be made to locations and historical events; however, names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination and/or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), businesses, events or locales is either used fictitiously or coincidental. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only.

  Published by

  Beautiful Trouble Publishing, LLC

  PO Box 61

  Colfax, NC 27235

  www.beautifultroublepublishing.com

  Cover Art: Shara Azod

  Editor: Cindy Davis, http://www.fiction-doctor.com/

  Proofreader: Novellette Whyte

  http://authorgurunovellette.blogspot.com/

  Formatter: Jim & Zetta, http://www.jimandzetta.com/

  E-book Conversion: Jim & Zetta, http://www.jimandzetta.com/

  ISBN: (e-book) 978-1-61788-201-2

  I dedicate this short story to Jayha Leigh. You were my inspiration for this one.

  Note about eBooks

  eBooks are NOT transferable. Re-selling, sharing or giving away eBooks is a copyright infringement. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author or Beautiful Trouble Publishing.

  CAVEAT

  This work of erotica contains adult language and sexually explicit scenes, which are smoking hot. This book is intended only for adults, as it is defined by the laws of the country in which the purchase is made. Keep this book out of the hands of under-aged readers.

  Waiting Long Enough

  “Regine, I don’t know how to thank you for wrapping this gift for me. Naya is going to love it.” Dagger really wanted to take this straight to the caramel-skinned beauty, but handing Naya a bag full of unwrapped gifts just didn’t seem right. He wanted to leave a good impression before making his claim on Naya, so he asked his sister-in-law to help him wrap it.

  “No problem. Naya’s been feeling down lately, so this should pick her up.” Regine curled the last ribbon on the box. The red wrapping paper had beautiful hearts in every color scattered around, giving it a feeling of love. The light red string Regine put around it made everything complete.

  “Don’t tell me she didn’t make the dean’s list.”

  Naya had always been a straight A student. The last time she got a B, she shifted into a grizzly bear, and ran through the mountains in a complete rage. It took Regine, Nathan, and himself to bring her home.

  “Not only did she make it, the university offered her a job in the molecular biology department. Part time, until she finishes the rest of her courses.” That was great news indeed. All of Naya’s hard work was starting to pay off. But if Naya was feeling down, Dagger would bet his life it had to do with Lex.

  “He gave her an ultimatum, didn’t he?” Regine nodded, and Dagger felt his rage building toward the pipsqueak of a human. Lex always kept Naya away from the pack, like some sort of hermit. Dagger had been biding his time, waiting for their relationship to crumble. Now that Lex was out of the picture, Dagger planned to make Naya his. All he needed was Regine’s consent, which he’d just been given.

  “Yep. She told me Lex gave her an ultimatum: him or school. Naya chose school and Lex didn’t take it very well.”

  “Did Lex hurt her?”

  “Do you think we’d be here if he did?”

  One thing Dagger could say about Regine was that she protected her own. A year had gone by before the pack was even introduced to Naya, and that was due to Nathan’s charming personality. Being the alpha of their pack, Nathan had an image to be concerned with. Any sign of sensitivity was one trait only reserved for Regine.

  From the moment Dagger laid eyes on Naya, he was sprung. Unfortunately, Regine shut down any possibilities for them because at the time she was dating that puny human.

  “Dagger, don’t make me regret allowing you to pursue my sister now that she’s single. Regine’s voice held a determination, and those beautiful brown eyes put true fear in his heart. But being the brother of an alpha taught him a few things including leading the pack in Nathan’s absence, inspiring members to push themselves physically, and dealing with any issues that might become problematic. Dagger was there with a solution or assisting his brother in finding one.

  Dagger took one giant step toward his sister-in-law. “I would never hurt my mate, Regine. Nor would I keep her from running with a pack that misses her just as much as they miss you when you don’t show up for a full moon run.”

  A grunt from the master bedroom let them both know that Nathan was putting a confirmation on what Dagger had just said.

  Regine held up her index finger and gave a slight smirk. “Nathan, I’m cold. Can you run me a bath?” More growls could be heard as Dagger jumped out of bed.

  Wow, she didn’t even say please, Dagger thought trying not to laugh.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I won the challenge. Again.” More grumbles could be heard. Dagger wasn’t sure, but he could’ve sworn Nathan had said something about letting her win.

  “Regine, you and I both know Naya would be taken care of.”

  “I don’t doubt that, Dagger. Naya just needs to able to take care of herself.”

  He remembered hearing Regine talk about how she cared for Naya after their mother passed away. It had been a struggle for both of them, but they pulled through together.

  “You better get going. Another storm is supposed to be approaching.”

  “Yes, you should get going.” Nathan entered the living room with a loud growl, which made Dagger realize he’d overstayed his welcome. “You’ve taken up enough of Regine’s time.” That was code for ‘Get out now before I kill you.’

  “Nathan, is my bath ready?” Regine asked as she stood and handed Dagger the box. Nathan grunted again in frustration and walked back into the bedroom.

  “No ma’am.” Dagger watched his older brother storm off, and they both laughed lightly.

  “Good luck. And remember what I told you.”

  “I will.” Dagger kissed his sister on the forehead and caught a different scent. Nathan’s was clear, but there was something different about Regine’s. Taking another deep inhale of her scent, Dagger recognized what it was. In all the excitement about Naya, he didn’t even notice. “When?” The question was simple, but she understood what he meant.

  “Around Christmas when he proposed.”

  “Regine, the bath is ready,” Nathan called out.

  “We’ll talk more about this later.” After one last hug, Dagger left the cabin. Light flurries were coming down. This is good weather for running, he thought as he got into his car. If everything goes well tonight, Naya will be running through this in the morning.

  A Helping Hand

  Naya sat in the middle of her sister’s living room, losing the feeling in her fingers from the grueling task of taking out her braids. She decided to take a small break when her sister called. Naya thought about doing this in her dorm, but Lex might’ve made a surprise visit.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? I can cut this mini-vacation short.”

  A dangerous growl came from the background at the very notion of them ending their trip early.

  Regine laughed on the other line. Due to all the extra hours Regine had been putting in, Nathan cherished any amount of time she was able to spend with him.

  “Don’t you dare. I don’t want to be on my new brother-in-law’s bad side. Besides I’m busy taking my braids out.”

  “All right. Before I forget, thank you again for helping him pick out the ring. It’s beautiful.”

  “I know. And you’re welcome.”

  “Nathan, stop that.” Naya scrunched her face at hearing Regine giggling through the phone. God only knows what he was doing to her.

  “Why don’t you two finish up your vacation? I’ll stay at your place since school is out.” Naya had finished her work, and had the entire weekend to just relax. She had been studying so much her head was beginning to hurt. Regine gave Naya strict orders to relax. And above all, no studying whatsoever. That was her favorite part.

  “Are you still avoiding his phone calls?” Naya didn’t have to ask who Regine was talking about. Lex decided to end their two-year relationship because he felt Naya made school her number one goal.

  “Yes, I am. He’s been calling and texting me since we broke up, but I have nothing to say. I still can’t believe he used school as an excuse.”

  “Maybe his real excuse has to do with a certain wolf,” Regine blurted.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  Naya heard exactly what Regine said. Lex did change after being introduced to Dagger. He became more possessive and constantly wanted to know where she was, or who she was with. Whenever Naya decided to pay a visit to Regine, Lex was right by her side. And if Dagger made an appearance, Lex would try to make her leave early. But that was over now.

  Th
e heavy burden on her shoulders was gone. The possibilities for a better future seemed limitless …and a certain wolf had come to mind. Naya admitted there was a slight attraction to Nathan’s younger brother, but she never acted on it, mainly because of her loyalty to Lex.

  Dagger accepted the fact that she was in a relationship, but it didn’t stop the flirting or mischievous glints in his eyes. Every time Naya came down for a run she’d have his full attention. And to top it off, Dagger loved to top it off he loved horror movies. What woman wouldn’t like that about any man?

  “There might be some validity to what you say, but Lex shouldn’t take his insecurities out on me. It’s over and I’m ready to move on. Now go and have sex. One of us should be getting some,” she said sarcastically.

  “Love you.”

  “Bye.” Naya shook her head and hung up. Since their mother had passed quietly in her sleep Regine was always worried about her. Regine had just turned nineteen, and Naya was only twelve, but her sister took on the responsibility of caring for her. All while attempting to get an education, and working as a waitress to put food on the table. Regine needed this break. When Nathan told Naya he was going to propose, she insisted on helping pick out a ring for her sister. It was the least she could do.

  Getting back to the task at hand, Naya continued with her hair. “Why didn’t I pay somebody to take these out?” she asked. It looked like she’d barely done anything. A hairdresser would’ve already had this taken care of and she’d be under the dryer. “Oh well, complaining won’t make this process go any faster.”

  The doorbell interrupted her complaining. No one but Regine and Nathan knew she would be here, so who was at the door? Naya couldn’t risk shifting because some of the human neighbors had invited their families over for the weekend. Naya shifted her nails into those of a tiger. Just in case.

  Easing the door open, she cracked a genuine smile at the in front of it. “Hi Dagger.” This was an unexpected surprise. His six foot four frame filled the doorway. The box behind him didn’t go unnoticed. Naya licked her lips at the very sight of him. Regine probably told him I’d be here.

  “Hi. Can I come in?”

  “Sure. Fair warning I’m taking my braids out. So it’s a little messy.” Retracting her nails, she ushered him in and waited for him to set the box down. “So, who told you I’d be here?”

  “My brother voiced his concerns due to the impending snowstorm. I hope you don’t mind. I was worried too.” He stalked toward her, and Naya suddenly felt self-conscious. Dagger looked so good in his black jeans and gray form-fitting shirt that did nothing to hide those sexy biceps she’d never noticed until now. Her hair was crimpled in every direction while his wavy blonde hair was perfectly set. Naya shook it off. Dagger had seen her in worse conditions. From the way those mantis-green eyes kept moving up and down her body, he obviously didn’t care about her appearance.

  “Of course I don’t. And I’m assuming the box is for me?”

  “No, I just carried it in for fun.”

  Ignoring Dagger’s comments, Naya looked at the humongous box and could only wonder what was in it.

  “Are you going to open it?”

  “I want to, but I need to finish taking out my braids. Then shower…”

  “How about I give you a hand?” Dagger asked running a hand through her braids.

  “That would be great.”

  Naya couldn’t help but want his touch against her skin. It felt as if a part of her had been lying dormant.

  As Naya ran to the bathroom, Dagger laughed silently at how cute she looked with her hair frizzy and out of place.

  “So what do you want me to do?” Dagger asked when she returned. Naya sat between his legs and it took all his strength to contain a shiver. She grabbed one braid and a comb to show him exactly what to do.

  “I already clipped the ends. So all you have to do is comb out the hair. When you get to the root, just pull on the synthetic portion; it’ll come out easily. Trash bag in on the left. Here’s an extra comb for you. I’ll work on the left side since it’s almost done.”

  “You got it.” Dagger followed her orders, making sure he didn’t pull on Naya’s hair. Dagger had to force himself to concentrate. The blue tank-top and matching boy shorts had him growling low in his throat. He wondered if Naya knew what she was doing to him.

  “Last one, and then I can clean this up.” He grabbed a braid to start combing, but noticed Naya squared her shoulders attempting to get the tension out. Releasing the braid, Dagger massaged her shoulders. His thumbs made tiny circles on her skin as he moved towards her neck.

  “I needed this,” Naya said as her body leaned into him.

  His fingers seemed to have a mind of their own as they slid down her smooth back. Goosebumps appeared.

  “Dagger what are you doing?” she whispered.

  He slid both hands down Naya’s shoulders, and then moved his head toward her ear. “Something I’ve wanted to do since the day we met,” he whispered right before giving her neck a soft kiss. Grabbing Naya’s chin, Dagger turned her head, and pressed his lips into hers. He would’ve continued, but she moved out of his embrace. When Naya stood up, the evidence of her arousal was very clear. Her breathing was coming out in short pants and he could see the moisture between her thighs. It was filling his nose, driving him crazy. The sight of her hard nipples took the cake.

  “I-I need to take a shower.”

  “Naya, I didn’t mean to…” Dagger was floored by the darkness in her eyes. They weren’t brown, but black—not out of anger; it was pure desire. Dagger felt his own body reacting the same way.

  “Could you clean that up for me, please?” Naya didn’t wait for him to answer. She ran toward the restroom, and closed the door.

  Dagger went over the mess and quickly tossed everything except the combs in the garbage.

  He knew Naya was having difficulties with how her body was reacting to his. The sounds of the shower running caught his ears, and he thought it would be a great idea to join his mate. She might need help washing her hair, he thought while stripping down to his bare ass.

  Dagger’s Claim

  “Dagger, what are you doing?” Naya screamed. She knew he tended to do whatever, whenever he wanted. An alpha trait picked from Nathan, no doubt. But this was crazy. Dagger’s touch was sending her whole body into a sensual over load. She had expected this to happen, but not so soon. What did her know that she didn’t? The warm water did nothing to dissipate the yearning between her thighs. Had she not been so self-conscious about her hair, Naya would’ve blown caution to wind.

  Instead, she found herself in the shower. With her alpha. Dagger sported an innocent-looking smile and nothing else.

  Naya should, but wasn’t about to throw him out. “I figured you might need a hand with your hair.”

  “I think I can take it from here.” The steam from the shower didn’t block any of Dagger’s nudity. Water glistened all over his muscled body. His silver blonde hair had little drops falling of the ends. When she had suggested that he let it grown out, she didn’t expect him to actually do it. His hair was little past his shoulders, and Naya wondered what it would be like to run her fingers through it.

  “I hope you’re not saying this because you’re embarrassed. We’ve seen each other naked many times, but I always managed to hide the effect you had on me. I’m just showing it now that I can. Now relax and let me help you.”

  Naya was about to argue, but chose to hand him the shampoo instead.

  Dagger poured the shampoo onto her hair and began massaging it. The goosebumps on Naya’s skin popped up once again, and he smiled.

  From the moment they met, Dagger knew Naya would be his. When Regine first introduced them, Lex had been right by her side. Dagger never took his eyes off her. She had been so excited about making the dean’s list for the third time and wanted to celebrate. Lex had seemed disinterested in her success until Dagger walked in. He knew she had felt the same desire he did when they kissed a few moments ago.